International Work Experience

Step 1: Academic Approval

Make sure that an overseas experience is relevant for your degree and approved by your School. Go to Academic Recognition for International Work Experience.

Step 2: Student Placement Agreement

A Student Placement Agreement may be required required with the host organisation . Contact the the Placements Hub for advice.

Step 3: Register with Go Global

All students who have received approval to participate in international work experience are required to register on the Go Global Application Portal*.

The Go Global Portal is a web-based platform that enables students to:

• Acknowledge conditions of participation and comply with several policies and conditions set by the University and Australian Government.
• Complete tutorials about Bullying and Cyber-Harassment, Child Protection, Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH), Taking care of your mental health, and more
• Complete a risk assessment relevant to the host location including COVID-19 awareness, health requirements, travel, local laws and more
• Register their travel, which provides the information to other departments in the University and external organisations (Medical Assistance and Travel Security)

*Note: If you have already registered on the Go Global Portal for a current international work experience opportunity, you are not required to register again.

Step 4: Apply for OS-HELP

You may be eligible for OS-HELP, a deferred HELP debt loan for undergraduate Australian citizens:

• Asian destinations – loans of either $4,000 or $8,295 available
• Non-Asian destinations – loans of either $4,000 or $6,913 available
• Academic Approval is required
• have completed 80 credit points of study
• have 10 credit points remaining on return

Visit OS-HELP for detailed information about available loans and eligibility criteria.

Step 5: Receive an Overseas Acceptance Letter

To continue with the steps below, you must:

1. Upload an Acceptance Letter from an overseas institution or provider, into your application on the Go Global Application Portal.
2. Have completed the Pre-Departure Tutorial (instructions to be provided on the Go Global Application Portal)

What is an Acceptance Letter?

An acceptance letter is an official document that includes:

• Your full name
• The program of participation
• The dates of participation
• The overseas university or provider letter head or logo
• The overseas university or provider contact details

To find out more about when you will be receiving the Overseas Acceptance Letter, contact the overseas university or provider.

Once the documentation is uploaded to the Portal and reviewed by the Go Global team, the application status will change to ‘Accepted by Host’ and you will receive an automated message with the Official Confirmation from Western Sydney University that can be used for Centrelink, visas, or other purposes.

When your application status is change to ‘Accepted by Host’, the Go Global team will create your profile on the University Travel Management System (TEMS).

Step 6: Apply for a Go Global Grant ($500 for international work experience)

As soon as you have uploaded the Acceptance Letter and completed the Pre-Departure Tutorial (see STEP 4 above), you may be eligible to apply for a Travel Grant or Exchange Scholarship.

To apply for a Grant or Scholarship, you are required submit a Request to receive a Go Global Grant Payment.

Step 7: Complete a risk assessment and confirm your international travel details

All students travelling overseas must register their participation in overseas activity via the Go Global Portal (see Steps above). This usually includes those participating in the student exchange program, individual internships, work placements, and studying classes at overseas universities. Travel is only permitted to low risk destinations, DFAT 1 and 2 locations.

If you have registered for an opportunity on the Go Global Portal, you will be requested to:

1. Complete an international risk assessment for your host destination. The risk assessment evaluates the management of COVID-19, Health, Safety, Local Laws, and Travel
2. Confirm your international travel details and upload your itinerary

Step 1: Register with Go Global

All students who have received approval to participate in international work experience are required to register on the Go Global Application Portal.

The Go Global Portal is a web-based platform that enables students to:

• Acknowledge conditions of participation and comply with several policies and conditions set by the University and Australian Government.
• Complete tutorials about Bullying and Cyber-Harassment, Child Protection, Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH), Taking care of your mental health, and more
• Complete a risk assessment relevant to the host location including COVID-19 awareness, health requirements, travel, local laws and more
• Register their travel, which provides the information to other departments in the University and external organisations (Medical Assistance and Travel Security)

Step 2: Apply for OS-HELP

You may be eligible for OS-HELP, a deferred HELP debt loan for undergraduate Australian citizens:

• Asian destinations – loans of either $4,000 or $8,295 available
• Non-Asian destinations – loans of either $4,000 or $6,913 available
• Academic Approval is required
• have completed 80 credit points of study
• have 10 credit points remaining on return

Visit OS-HELP for detailed information about available loans and eligibility criteria.

Step 3: Receive an Overseas Acceptance Letter

To continue with the steps below, you must:

1. Upload an Acceptance Letter from an overseas institution or provider, into your application on the Go Global Application Portal.
2. Have completed the Pre-Departure Tutorial (instructions to be provided on the Go Global Application Portal)

What is an Acceptance Letter?

An acceptance letter is an official document that includes:

• Your full name
• The program of participation
• The dates of participation
• The overseas university or provider letter head or logo
• The overseas university or provider contact details

To find out more about when you will be receiving the Overseas Acceptance Letter, contact the overseas university or provider.

Once the documentation is uploaded to the Portal and reviewed by the Go Global team, the application status will change to ‘Accepted by Host’ and you will receive an automated message with the Official Confirmation from Western Sydney University that can be used for Centrelink, visas, or other purposes.

When your application status is change to ‘Accepted by Host’, the Go Global team will create your profile on the University Travel Management System (TEMS).

Step 4: Apply for a Go Global Grant ($500 for international work experience)

As soon as you have uploaded the Acceptance Letter and completed the Pre-Departure Tutorial (see STEP 4 above), you may be eligible to apply for a Travel Grant or Exchange Scholarship.

To apply for a Grant or Scholarship, you are required submit a Request to receive a Go Global Grant Payment.

Step 5: Complete a risk assessment and confirm your international travel details

All students travelling overseas must register their participation in overseas activity via the Go Global Portal (see Steps above). This usually includes those participating in the student exchange program, individual internships, work placements, and studying classes at overseas universities. Travel is only permitted to low risk destinations, DFAT 1 and 2 locations.

If you have registered for an opportunity on the Go Global Portal, you will be requested to:

1. Complete an international risk assessment for your host destination. The risk assessment evaluates the management of COVID-19, Health, Safety, Local Laws, and Travel
2. Confirm your international travel details and upload your itinerary

Academic Credit

To receive academic credit for your overseas experience, talk to your School about credit arrangements and how it fits best with your course structure.

Certain degrees such as Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Paramedicine, Physiotherapy or Medicine may have strict requirements imposed by their respective professional accreditation councils that prevent students from receiving academic credit for most Go Global programs. A student wishing to incorporate an overseas study experience in their degree must consult with their respective Schools for any available international activities.

To apply for academic approval, complete the following:

• STUDY ABROAD (non-exchange): When researching an opportunity on the Go Global webpage, unless it states the program is 'Exchange', it will be a Study Abroad program. To apply for academic recognition, complete the credit approval for non-exchange.
• EXCHANGE - Students participating in an exchange opportunity require permission from the Western Sydney International Go Global team. To apply for academic recognition, complete the credit approval for exchange.
• Academic Recognition for International Work Experience - find out more.

Academic transcripts

When you submit an application to the overseas provider, you may require a formal record of all units and courses undertaken at Western - order your latest academic record/transcript here.

BIG checklist

To support your experience, download the Before I Go (BIG) checklist (currently under review).

Centrelink

To continue payments, students need to provide Centrelink with evidence that they are continuing their studies at Western Sydney University, and will be participating in an overseas activity to the host country as a legitimate part of their study. Further information can be found on the Centrelink webpage Travelling outside Australia

You may require an Official Confirmation Letter from Western Sydney University that can be used as evidence of participation and/or proof of travel insurance. For instance the Australian Government, Centrelink, foreign embassies, and other organisations may require certain information about your trip.

Note: If you are travelling overseas on an approved University activity, you will be covered by the corporate travel insurance policy - this cover is limited (see further information about Travel Insurance below). Approved activities include the Western Sydney University Go Global Exchange Program, Overseas Short Courses, clinical or work placements, internships, or other activities that are sanctioned by the University and receive academic approval or recognition by the University.

To receive an Official Confirmation Letter, see Confirmation of Overseas Travel (Step 6 above).

Conditions of Participation

The University of Western Sydney University is committed to demonstrating high standards of personal and professional conduct at all times. When participating in an overseas program, students must assume certain obligations to Western Sydney University the prospective country and other participants in a program. It is important that students behave in an appropriate manner and must not endanger themselves or the group. Provided below are some of the relevant policies:

• Student Mobility Policy
• Code of Conduct
• Student Misconduct Rule
• Alcohol and Drug Control Policy
• Bullying Prevention Policy
• Discrimination, Harassment, Vilification and Victimisation Prevention Policy
• Motting and Hazing Prevention Policy
• Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy
• Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH)

If a staff member of a partner organisation or program determines that a student participant fails to meet the behavioural expectations, the student may be asked to leave the program. If a student has been asked to leave under such circumstances and they have paid a program fee, they will not receive a refund and will be required to pay back any grants or scholarships.

Culture Shock and Adaption

When travelling abroad and living in the host location, you may go through a number of emotional challenges the could affect your participation in a program. Travelling and living in a new culture requires you to learn a new set of cultural patterns and behaviours and therefore it is extremely important that you learn every aspect about the countries you are visiting and pre-empt any expectations. You are encouraged to research your host destination thoroughly, prior departure. Consider some of the following:

• Traditions, beliefs, values, food, drink and alcohol
• Major areas of cultural difference - etiquette, discrimination, gender, sex, and religion
• Languages

Study Abroad Culture Shock

Flights | FCM Travel Solutions

FCM Travel Solutions is the recommended travel agency for Western Sydney University and can assist with your flights. If you wish to receive a quote , please contact:

FCM Travel Solutions

Free Call: 1300 555 062 (Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm)

Phone: +61 2 9423 8010 (Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm)

Email: wsu@fcmtravel.com.au

Insurance

Students that travel overseas on approved University activities are covered by the corporate travel insurance policy for the official University component of their trip. This may include travel overseas for the purposes of placement, work experience, practicums, research, conferences, student exchange and study tours. Please note this cover is limited and does not include personal travel or participating in extreme or high risk activities.

It is advised that you visit the Overseas Travel Insurance webpage and review the information and policy provided on this site. You should find out what it doesn't cover before you go, and if needed, organise additional personal travel insurance. Note, if you need to arrange your own travel insurance, you may access the University's insurer or search for another provider.

Learning Modules for Global Experience

Global learning is extremely important and vital for the development of Western Sydney University, Greater Western Sydney and Australia. To succeed in a complex, interconnected and competitive world, students require an intercultural understanding and global mindset. To prepare students participating in a Global Learning experience, Western Sydney University as developed a collection of learning modules about numerous topics including Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH), Child Protection, and looking after your mental health. These modules are mandatory requirements when submitting an application via the Go Global Portal. To make the most of your experience, visit Learning Modules webpage.

Mental Health

The Australian Government stresses that anyone travelling abroad is subject to foreign jurisdictions, which may view mental illness different from back at home. Consequently, it is important to thoroughly research the destination and determine if there are any concerns that may trigger mental health concerns - see Australian travellers with mental health conditions.

If you are facing any barriers that may affect the travel or experience in the host country, you are encouraged to access Western Sydney University's confidential counselling services as early as possible before going abroad.

• eCounselling Service - confidential online service.
• Counselling Service - Face to face counselling is usually advised for more serious or ongoing problems.

OS-HELP

A large majority of Global Learning experiences at Western Sydney University are funded by OS-HELP. This is a deferred HELP debt loan for Australian citizens enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place who want to undertake some of their study overseas. Loans over $8,000 are available. Academic approval is required; have completed 80 credit points of study, and have 10 credit points remaining on return. OS-HELP can be used for a range of expenses such as airfares, accommodation and other travel or study expenses. Students can access a total of two OS-HELP loans over their lifetime. The debt has the same repayment conditions as HECS-HELP and are indexed accordingly.

Passports

Prior to travelling abroad, you will require a valid passport. Do you have a current passport that has more than 6 months until expiration from the date of your return? For further information see the Australian Passport Office (opens in a new window) or relevant foreign consulate (opens in a new window) (non-citizens).

Risk Management

All students travelling overseas must register their participation in overseas activity via the Go Global Portal (see Main Steps above). This usually includes those participating in the student exchange program, individual internships, work placements, and studying classes at overseas universities. Travel is only permitted to low risk destinations, DFAT 1 and 2 locations.

If you have registered for an opportunity on the Go Global Portal, you will be requested to complete an international risk assessment for your host destination. The Risk Assessment evaluates the management of COVID-19, Health, Safety, Local Laws, and Travel.

Travel Health Information

Although participating in an overseas activity is exciting, it may have the potential to expose you to serious health risks. It is advised that you visit a doctor 6 to 12 weeks before leaving Australia, have a check-up, discuss your future travel, and any medications you made need to be taking. It is also advised that you visit a dentist. With respect to vaccines, don’t wait until the last minute - you may need several doses of a particular vaccine and time for your body to develop full immunity.

Further information and advice can be found by visiting Travel Doctor-TMVC, Smartraveller, and the Australian Government's Department of Health websites. If you need to take medication overseas, check with the appropriate host country consulate(s) (opens in a new window) and ensure it is not illegal

Visas

A visa provides permission for a non-citizen to enter and temporarily remain within a country. Staff at Western Sydney University including the Go Global team are not permitted to give advice about visas. You are responsible for checking with your overseas provider and the appropriate consulate(s) (opens in a new window) about the country(s) you are entering. You are responsible for ensuring that you have the correct visa for your circumstances, regardless of whether or not you are participating in an official activity organised by a Western Sydney University school/institute such as a Study Tour. If you require a visa, you may require an Official Letter from Western Sydney University and an official acceptance letter or email from an overseas University or provider. See the Steps to Engage in Global Learning above.

Working with Children

Some overseas programs may require you to have a Working with Children Check. Please visit Working with Children Check (opens in a new window) and fill in the online application form. You will be asked whether your child-related work is paid or unpaid.